Coming Apostasy

¹But the Spirit clearly says that in later times, some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and teaching of demons,

²through the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences have been seared,

³They forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

⁴For everything God created is excellent, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

⁵because it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.

⁶By pointing out these things to the siblings, you will be an excellent deacon of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith and the excellent teaching you have followed.

⁷But refuse profane myths and old wives’ tales. Rather discipline yourself toward godliness.

⁸For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, holding promise for the present life and the life to come.

⁹This saying is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance.

¹⁰For to this end we both labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all humans, especially those who believe.

¹¹You are to command and teach these things.

¹²Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but be an example to those who believe, in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

¹³Until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

¹⁴Don’t neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy when the elders laid hands on you.

¹⁵Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, so that your progress may be revealed to all.

¹⁶Pay attention to yourself and your teaching. Persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.